Jump rope = lots of sweating

[jkay]

Well I discovered jump roping is a good cardio method. I was breathing REALLY hard after 20 min. I warmed up for about 3 mins, then alternated steady, intense bouts with slower bouts, or with a few rest periods. I did this for 20 mins.

This isn't listed as the BFL cardio, but I don't have to go to the gym to do it, so that's nice.

Do you think this method will be as effective as running or stationary bike? Or effective at all?

Thank you!

PS- I found out about it at A Jump Rope Workout That Burns Belly Fat | Fitness Black Book

[Chris]

Absolutely! I suck at it, no coordination.. but certainly this is an outstanding way to burn calories. It's an old stand-by.

[Maljonic]

Very portable too, I used to have one of those with a counter in one of the handles when I was younger. I might get another one, I have been thinking about it and this just reminded me.

[poisonous]

yeah i think jump rope is a great cardio, although i don't do it... but i should start! my mom lost 60 lbs in 3 months by just eating right and jump roping every day.

[bluexj]

I think jumping rope is an escellent alternative to running or cycling. You can burn a lot of calories in a short time and strengthen your legs at the same time. It's high impact though so be sure to jump in an area with a little give....

[Chris]

I did quite a few exercise videos during my first challenge. Sometimes it's fun to take a break from HIIT and do an hour long aerobic thing. I've heard thai-bo(sp?) is fun.

[jkay]

I think I need to get a gym mat of some sort to absorb shock while jump roping outside. But what kind should I get? Any recommendations?
I also read conflicting information- some claim you should jump rope while wearing cross trainers, not running shoes...although I don't see why it makes a difference...and some claim to go barefoot because it strengthens feet?

[Chris]

hmm... I'd do it in the grass or on some other soft ground. The argument for shoes is probably a support issue. The cross trainers are more durable I think, while the running shoes are designed for a different angle of impact. I use my running shoes at the gym for everything, but it definitely wears them out faster... Barefoot? Maybe. I like the idea of a supportive shoe a bit more, but I guess it could work.

[Rhone]

Runners are taught to run "heel-to-toe". Your heel touches the ground first, taking the impact. The defining feature of running shoes is that they are supposed to have more cushion in the heel, to help absorb that impact.

If you're jumping rope, on the other hand, it's the balls of your feet that hit the floor/ground and take the impact. I'm not familiar with how cross-training shoes are constructed, but I'm guessing that they probably have more cushion for the front of the foot than running shoes do.

As for barefoot... if you're relatively light and you're careful not to overdo it, I guess I could see that being okay... but for me, at my current weight, I'm afraid that would tear up my ankles pretty quick.